Be Breast Aware
Early Detection Saves Lives
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in East Africa, where its mortality rates are among the highest in the world. It is increasingly affecting young women in their thirties.
On average, women develop breast cancer at a younger age in Sub-Saharan Africa than in the West. While screening and early detection is available, most often these cancers are detected very late when treatment options become limited, expensive and often when it is difficult to cure.
In order to improve breast cancer outcomes and survival, early detection is critical.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer starts when cells in breast tissue begin to grow out of control. These cells usually form a tumour that can often be seen on an x-ray (mammogram) or felt as a lump. The tumour is malignant (cancer) if the cells can grow into surrounding tissues or spread to distant areas of the body. Breast cancer occurs most commonly in women, but men can get breast cancer too.
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The Importance of Screening
Breast cancer in its early stage is easier to treat and is more likely to be cured. It is important to attend a screening clinic in order to be fully assessed, especially when you find new symptoms or changes in your breast. Early detection often reduces the need for breast amputation (mastectomy) and chemotherapy, with breast conserving treatment more widely available.
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Staging & Grading
When breast cancer is diagnosed, your doctors will give it a stage. The stage describes the size of the cancer and how far it has spread, and is used to predict the outlook. The TNM s taging system may also be used to describe breast cancer, as it can provide accurate information about the diagnosis. The grade describes the appearance of cancer cells.
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Treating Breast Cancer
The main treatments for breast cancer include:
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- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Hormonal therapy (also called endocrine therapy)
- Targeted cancer drugs
- Bone strengthening drugs (bisphosphonates)
Breast Pain
Breast pain is very common in women of all ages. By itself, breast pain is unlikely to be a symptom of cancer.
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Many women experience breast pain as part of their normal menstrual cycle (periods). This is called cyclical breast pain.
Lasting pain in the breast that’s not related to periods is known as non-cyclical breast pain.
Sometimes pain that feels as though it's in the breast is coming from somewhere else, such as a pulled muscle in the chest. This is known as chest wall pain.
